Hall’s opponents say he has bullied university officials, released confidential student information and made onerous records requests in an effort aimed at ousting UT-Austin President Bill Powers. Hall says he is attempting to uncover wrongdoing at the system’s flagship campus. Perry has indicated his support of Hall in the past, even recently, but has not issued a statement to this effect.

Read the full Perry statement below:

“Wallace Hall should be commended for his persistence – in the face of overwhelming opposition from bureaucrats – in trying to ensure the institutions of higher education under his purview are operating effectively, efficiently and within the law. Hall is doing exactly what every regent and every appointee in the State of Texas should be doing: asking tough questions, gathering facts and searching for the truth. Even the chairman of the Board of Regents has said Hall did not commit an impeachable offense or a crime. Texans should be outraged by his treatment, and deeply concerned it will have a chilling effect on those who are tasked with the oversight of state agencies and institutions that they are responsible for.”